

Born, raised, and educated in Danbury, CT on August 1, 1948, Dave was the son of the late Mabel and Fred Gerlach. He graduated from Danbury High School in 1966 and attended Bentley College for 1 year prior to enlisting in the United States Navy. He was stationed in Pensacola, FL, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines copying Morse Code prior to his honorable discharge in November, 1972.
Dave was employed by Amphenol for a short time before being appointed to the Danbury Fire Department on November 4, 1973. Dave loved his job. He was a member of Danbury Professional Fire Fighters, Local 801, IAFF and the International Fire Fighters Union. After a few injuries, he retired in 1999 after 26 years of distinguished service to the people of Danbury, CT.
He met his wife, Lois, in 1972 and they married in June, 1973 and shared 51 years of marriage. They had 2 children, Jessica Badach (Timothy) of West Yarmouth and Mike Gerlach (Heather) of Brewster. Having vacationed on Cape Cod as a child, Dave and Lois decided to retire to Cape Cod after his retirement.
Dave is survived by his wife, children, and five grandchildren, Josh, Aidan, Emily, Brooklyn, and Madison. He is also survived by sisters and brothers-in-law, several nieces and nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Richard and Fritz, and nephews Rick and Tom.
Service with military honors will be held at the MA National Cemetery on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 11:30 AM. The Rev. Robert Naylor will officiate.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.18.0